What you might not know about the American author
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates gave a TED Talk titled 'The Next Outbreak? We're Not Ready' in 2015. Little did the world know that just years later we would face an outbreak with the coronavirus in 2020. Gates remains a thought leader who is often consulted by agencies and governments.
In 2007, former US President Bill Clinton gave a TED Talk titled ‘My Wish: Rebuilding Rwanda.’ Clinton encouraged all in attendance to partner with his foundation, the Rwandan government, and Partners in Health to assist with the aftermath that left Rwanda in crisis.
Irish rock musician Bono gave a TED Talk titled ‘Join My Call to Action on Africa’ in 2005. He is vocal about social issues, which he addresses through his nonprofit organization ONE. Bono donates to causes like fighting to end hunger and poverty. His TED video has over 800,000 views.
James Cameron gave a TED Talk titled ‘Curiosity—It's the Most Powerful Thing You Own’ in 2010. The award-winning filmmaker's TED video has over two million views.
Comedian Sarah Silverman presented a TED Talk in 2010. Silverman ruffled one too many feathers with her provocative words. The organizer of TED Talk, Chris Anderson, was shocked by what she presented and took to Twitter to air his disdain. The exchange drew much attention online.
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power gave a TED Talk titled ‘A Complicated Hero in the War on Dictatorship’ in 2008. Power is also a journalist and focuses on US policy. Her TED video has over 600,000 views.
See also: Famous figures who overcame their fear of public speaking
Former US Vice President Al Gore gave a TED Talk titled ‘Averting the Climate Crisis’ in 2008. Gore is known for his political career and environmentalism. Gore’s TED video has over three million views.
Philanthropist Melinda Gates gave a TED Talk titled ‘What Nonprofits can Learn from Coca-Cola’ in 2010. She is the co-chairperson of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with her ex-husband and co-founder Bill Gates.
The author and environmentalist was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work. He founded The Climate Reality Project in 2011.
The late Stephen Hawking gave a TED Talk titled ‘Questioning the Universe’ in 2008. The world renowned theoretical physicist suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease, which affected his motor skills. He was later confined to a wheelchair until his death in 2018. His TED Talk has over 13 millions views.
Herbie Hancock presented ‘Herbie Hancock's All-Star Set’ in 2009. The celebrated jazz musician is praised as having completely changed the music industry for the better. His TED video has over 800,000 views.
J.J. Abrams gave a TED Talk titled ‘The Mystery Box’ in 2007. The screenwriter, director, and producer's video has over four million views.
British chef Jamie Oliver gave a TED Talk titled ‘Teach Every Child About Food’ in 2010. His nonprofit work includes providing resources to those in need through the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation.
Artist Imogen Heap presented 'Imogen Heap Plays Wait It Out' in 2009. The songstress is known for her experimental electric sound. Her TED video has over one million views.
Scientist Jane Goodall gave a TED Talk titled ‘Helping Humans and Animals Live Together in Africa’ in 2007. She is world renowned for her work with primates. Her TED Talk has one million views.
Co-founder of The Huffington Post (now HuffPost), Arianna Huffington gave a TED Talk titled 'How to Succeed? Get More Sleep' in 2010. Her TED video has over five million views.
Brené Brown gave a TED Talk titled ‘The Power of Vulnerability’ in 2010. Brown is best known for her books on vulnerability, research, and storytelling. Her video has over 50 million views.
Sheryl Sandberg gave a TED Talk titled ‘Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders’ in 2010. Sandberg is COO at Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook. Her TED video has over 11 million views.
Famed television producer Shonda Rhimes, who is behind hits like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Scandal,' gave a TED Talk titled ‘My Year of Saying Yes to Everything’ in 2016. Her TED video has over five million views.
Former US Secretary of State and diplomat Madeleine Albright gave a TED Talk titled ‘On Being a Woman and a Diplomat’ in 2010. Albright has held several positions of power and she outlines her experience in politics in this talk.
Sir Richard Branson gave a TED Talk titled ‘Life At 30,000 Feet’ in 2007. The British billionaire businessman is known for owning Virgin Atlantic airlines. He founded the company in 1984, and has gone on to launch businesses in various industries. Branson's TED video has over one million views.
Julian Assange gave a TED Talk titled ‘Why The World Needs Wikileaks’ in 2010. He is an internet activist and spokesperson for Wikileaks. Assange’s video has over two million views.
British musician Sting gave a TED Talk titled ‘How I Started Writing Songs Again’ in 2014. His TED Talk has over two million views.
America Ferrera gave a TED Talk titled 'My Identity is a Superpower -- Not an Obstacle' in 2019. She wears many hats as an activist, actress, director, and producer. Her TED video has over three million views.
Activist and poet Amanda Gorman delivered a TED Talk titled 'Using Your Voice is a Political Choice' in 2018. The Harvard University graduate was invited to read her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden in 2021.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a TED Talk in 2010 about women's empowerment. Clinton has had a long political career since her days as former First Lady of the United States.
Elizabeth Gilbert gave a TED Talk titled ‘Your Elusive Creative Genius’ in 2009. She is the author of ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’ Her TED video has 20 million views.
TED Talks are the pinnacle of knowledge sharing and the spreading of ideas. Activists, entertainers, thought leaders, and the like have graced TED stages all over the world. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. It was first launched in 1984 as a conference focusing on those three areas. Today, TED Talks cover more innovative topics in over 100 languages.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery of high-profile TED Talk speakers over the years.
Celebrities who have given TED Talks
Spotlight speeches of high-profile people
CELEBRITY Speeches
TED Talks are the pinnacle of knowledge sharing and the spreading of ideas. Activists, entertainers, thought leaders, and the like have graced TED stages all over the world. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. It was first launched in 1984 as a conference focusing on those three areas. Today, TED Talks cover more innovative topics in over 100 languages.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery of high-profile TED Talk speakers over the years.